College Libraries as Catalyst of Change: Supporting the Vision of NEP 2020

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a transformative shift in India’s education system, emphasising multidisciplinary learning, flexibility, and holistic student development. Recognising the essential role of libraries in enriching educational quality, NEP 2020 repositions them as dynamic hubs of learning and knowledge. Academic libraries now contribute beyond traditional functions by offering access to diverse, skill-based, and socially relevant resources that support academic excellence and empower students and the nation. This paper explores the implications of NEP 2020 for higher education, focusing on the evolving role of college libraries. It examines key areas such as collection development, service delivery, resource utilisation, and the changing responsibilities of library professionals. Drawing on scholarly literature and the author’s professional experience, the study highlights strategies to strengthen libraries’ contributions toward realising the objectives of NEP 2020.